The middle class families are facing a huge crisis as they are confronted by fluctuations in fuel prices because of massive losses on part of state run oil companies and Euro Zone crisis. It does not make sense anymore to buy a petrol run car as petrol prices are as high as Rs. 81 per litre in some parts of the country. In such conditions, even though the diesel cars are expensive they never fail to attract car buyers. Ever since the government deregulated the petrol price and OMC's announced massive hike of Rs. 7.5 on every litre, the sales of petrol cars has further deteriorated. Gone are the days, when petrol cars dominated the Indian roads, the situation has reversed now. Even though the government is planning to increase the tax on diesel cars, thus making them expensive in terms of running costs, demand for them is on a new high.
With the manufacturing process better suited to produce more petrol cars, it is becoming difficult for the car makers to increase the diesel production capacity to meet the rising demand. However, this is not the end for petrol cars, since, the car manufacturers are investing highly in research and development for cutting-edge fuel saving technologies. One of the car companies in this regard is Ford, which came up with a new 1.0 litre EcoBoost powertrain. Powering Ford's Focus range that will be available for sale in the British market next month, this powertrain is a high tech, ultra efficient, turbocharged and direct injection unit. This one-of-its kind Ecoboost drivetrain offers enhanced mileage and ultra-low CO2 emission, which can pose a challenge to the conventional 1.6 litre unit.
Ford will offer the three-cylinder powertrain in two options including the unit which features in 5-door focus and delivers 123 hp and will offer 20 kmpl with 114 gkm CO2 emissions. The figures are unmatched by the competitors of the Focus range, which deliver the same output. The second option delivers 98 hp of power and a mileage of 21 kmpl with an astonishingly low CO2 emission of 109 gkm. The cylinder block of the revolutionary powertrain can fit on an A4 size power. However, despite its small size it is capable of delivering 123 hp and 170 Nm of torque, which could be further extended to 200 Nm with aid of overboost at 1,400 rpm to 4,500 rpm. No powertrain produced by the car maker has displayed such high power density.
The low emissions enhance the savings of customers besides the obvious benefit achieved by improved mileage. A zero per cent excise duty will be liable on both versions of the powertrain in the first year, after that will be 20 pounds and 30 pounds on a yearly basis for the 98 hp and 123 hp variant respectively. It saves 115 pounds in first year and 95 pounds and 85 pounds respectively in following years as compared to the existing 1.6 litres units delivering the same output.
Company car drivers will be able to avail benefit-in-kind rates measuring up to just 13 per cent in 2012-13. With this, the Focus Zetec will attract monthly savings worth 32 pounds at 40 per cent tax, as against the existing 1.6-litre 103 and 123 hp motors.
The latest powertrain from the Ford demands a premium of 250 pounds over the 1.6-litre 123 hp engine. It will feature on the Ford C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and all-new Ford B-MAX to be launched by this year end. In India, this unit will feature on yet-to-be-launched EcoSport model.
